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- Written by Jonathan Danilowitz
The Meshulam Riklis Lobby of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art was the scene of an elegant gathering of the Israeli Diplomatic corps and other VIPs on Monday evening on the occasion of the National Day of Romania. The event was hosted by her Excellency Ambassador Andreea Păstârnac and her husband. Among the many ambassadors, consular officials and society VIPs present were Fr. Angelo Beda Ison, representing the Vatican Embassy; Colette Avital, Romanian-born Israeli diplomat and politician; Mordechai Paltzur, former Israeli ambassador and the person responsible for developing diplomatic relations for Israel with several Eastern European countries (and subsequently Israel's first ambassador to Poland after reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries); Nitzan Chen, the Director of the Israel Government Press Office; Nanci Brandes, Romanian-born Israeli musician, conductor, comedian, entertainer and composer; and many others. Notably missing were two of Romania's Honorary Consuls in Israel, Benny (Binyamin) Baratz and Bruno Landsberg, both unable to attend. As always, the various military attaches in their smart uniforms, with their escorts, added a special sparkle to this beautiful event.
Guests enjoyed a rich buffet of snacks while mingling and renewing friendships and making new ones. Besides soft and other drinks, a range of superior Romanian wines was on offer, to the delight of all present. We particularly enjoyed the Nomad Feteasca Neagra 2009, as well as the crisp whites. Several large companies, Romanian and Israeli, added their cache to the event, proving sponsorships and support, TAROM being the major sponsor. Others included the Ben Haim and Carmel Wineries, Sixt, Sano, Israel Aircraft Industries, Bank Leumi and Zim, and more.
After a brief introduction, the Romanian singer and entertainer Stefania Rares performed beautiful renditions of both the Romanian and the Israeli national anthems. (Ms. Rares later performed a selection of Romanian folk songs for our entertainment, to appreciative applause from the guests.)
Her Excellency Ambassador Păstârnac then addressed the audience - In fluent Hebrew! She began by briefly touching on the historical background of Romanian independence and development. Madame Păstârnac spoke on the excellent relationship – which has survived through thick and thin – between her country and the State of Israel. She mentioned the large number of Romanian immigrant descendants living in Israel today, and of their dynamic and fundamental contribution, not only to Israeli society, but to the economy and well-being of Israel. She reminded us of the historical importance of Romanian immigrants to then Turkish Palestine over 200 years ago. They where instrumental in founding the Carmel Wineries and some of their descenedants, seven and eight generations later, still reside in the Zichron Yaakov area. The Ambassador's message to Israel was one of deep friendship and appreciation for the strong bi-lateral relations the two countries enjoy.
On behalf of the State of Israel, MK Tzipi Livni, Israel's Minister of Justice, responded. She opened her address in English, but noted that the Romanian Ambassador had requested that she address the audience in Hebrew, which she then continued to do. Ms. Livni's greetings to Romania were warm and friendly. She stressed that Romania's continued support and friendship for Israel are not taken for granted, and that Israel appreciates the excellent bilateral relations. "There are some 400,000 Israelis of Romanian descent, which means Israel and Romania are linked not only diplomatically, but at a very societal level too". Israel, she said, is a country for all its citizens, but that does not mean that different societies and cultures must be merged in the giant melting pot. "There is still place for individuality". As an aside, Ms. Livni touched on a facet of the misunderstanding in the world today; the difference between what the world thinks of Israel, and what Israel really is. In conclusion she asked the Ambassador to extend warm best wishes and congratulations to the Romanian Government and people, from the people of Israel.
The entertainment provided by Ms. Rares brought the celebrations to a fitting end.
Photos by Silvia G Golan
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- Written by Sima Lahat & Silvia Golan
On October 28th, 2014, the Czech ambassadorׂ ( designated) ׂׂto Israel, Mr. Ivo Schwarz and his wife Mrs. Eva Schwarz, offered a reception at their residence in Hertzlia Pituach to celebrate the Czech Republic's National day.
Tuesday, 28 October: Independent Czechoslovak State Day - date of the foundation of Czechoslovakia, which declared independence from the Hapsburg Empire at the end of World War I.
In the early hours of October 28, 1918 the agricultural council, in the name of the National Committee, took over the cereal institute in order to prevent the transport of grain to the front. This was followed by the dissemination of information recognizing Austro-Hungary's peace conditions. That evening the National Committee issued the first law on the establishment of an independent state.
The glittering guest list included members of the diplomatic corps, business and commercial leaders, VIPs of the Czech communities in Israel, Israeli political leaders and other "who's who" of the Israel social calendar.
The Czech Ambassador welcomed the honorable guest of Israel - The Tourism Minister, Mr.Uzi Landau.
A lavish buffet dinner featuring Czech dishes like Goulash and Blanches followed, accompanied of course by Czech bear and a range of alcoholic and other beverages. Guests mingled happily, renewing old friendships and creating new ones.
The formal part of the event started with violinists playing the national anthems of both countries, followed by the speech of the designated Ambassador for the Czech Republic.
In welcoming the guests, the Ambassador thanked everyone for being there in celebration of this remarkable day for the Czech country.
Wording of the speech gave by the Ambassador Ivo Schwarz:
"Only two weeks ago I arrived as new ambassador of the Czech Republic. Therefore let me take this opportunity to briefly introduce myself. My name is Ivo Schwarz and I am very happy to be appointed as the official Czech representative in this wonderful country. I collaborated very closely with the State of Israel in my previous job concerning the Czech national security and I am looking forward to develop my experience also on this responsible position.
Thank you for joining us to celebrate the Czech national holiday. I am happy to see you all here especially the Minister of tourism Uzi Landau. Tourism is a very important part of Czech-Israeli relations, the number of Israeli visitors in the Czech Republic is increasing every year and we would be happy to intensify this trend even more. I am saying this not only because of the economic impact of tourism, but also because of the social one. Travelling leads to better knowledge of the other culture and mentality, better understanding, empathy for the other country and creates the fundament for the friendship between the nations. For this reason we strongly support also the tourism from the Czech Republic to Israel and it is not a coincidence that the Czech Airlines did not interrupt their regular service during the conflict this summer. Tourism offers a great potential to our relations and I am convinced that we will together successfully manage also the future challenges in this field. Dear Minister Uzi Landau it is an honor to have you here and welcome among us.
And now let me say couple of words about history of this day. But firstly one sentence in Czech: Vitám zde všechny Čechoslováky
The Czech national holiday commemorate a history 96 years ago. On October 28, 1918 the first independent Czechoslovak state was founded from territories that were previously part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Of all the new states established in central Europe after 1918, only Czechoslovakia became a successful multi-party parliamentary democracy and preserved a democratic government until the war broke out. Czechoslovakia belonged to a small group of states that officially recognized Jewish nationality and granted Jews full civil rights. Even when right-wing extremism rose in prewar Europe, Czechoslovakia was one of the few countries that did not apply any anti-Jewish laws. During this period, three congresses of the World Zionist Organization took place in the Czech cities of Prague and Karlovy Vary. In addition, Czechoslovak president Masaryk was a keen supporter of the Zionist movement and the first head of state who visited the Jewish communities in Palestine in 1927.
I mention it because with the celebration of Czechoslovakia we celebrate also the Czech-Israeli friendship. There was no coincidence that 1948 the Czechoslovak government recognized the State of Israel only 5 days after its proclamation of independence and supplied it with military equipment and weapons, when Israel found itself at war with its Arab neighbors. Similar like Israel the prewar Czechoslovakia was surrounded on every side by hostile non-democratic states. At that time its security was "guaranteed" by a series of international agreements and "promises", but at the end of the 1930th Czechoslovakia lost its independence with horrible consequences for the overwhelming majority of its population, especially for our Jewish citizens. This history might explain why we support Israel as the only democracy in the Middle East till the present time.
I am happy to say that the bilateral relations are in top form, as evidenced by the high frequency of our political contacts, increasing dynamics of economic exchange and a rich network of activities at non-governmental level. For the Czech Embassy it means a commitment which we want do develop further for intensifying of our partnership and friendship. The most important events in the coming days will be the visit of the Czech Minister of foreign affairs Lubomír Zaorálek in the state of Israel followed by a visit of members of defense and security committee of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament and at the end of next month the by common cabinet meeting of the Czech and Israeli government in Jerusalem.
A lot of work has been done, a lot of work is still staying before us. Therefore I am happy to see you here to support us in our effort and celebrate the independence day of a state on the spiritual foundation of which the Czech Republic was established. I am very glad about your coming and looking forward to our further cooperation.
Finally let me thank to all my colleagues from the embassy, who worked heavy to prepare this reception".
Following the speech of the Ambassador, Minister Uzi Landau addressed the dignitaries and said the following:
"I am very pleased and honored to represent the Government and People of Israel in congratulating the Czech Republic on the occasion of its National Day, on the 28th of October, the day on which Czechoslovakia was established in 1918.
The friendship between Israel and the Czech Republic is more than just a close relationship between two governments. It is a friendship between two peoples, and it is a tie that runs deep. As we join you in celebration of this year's National Day, we again wish to take the opportunity to express Israel's esteem and appreciation to both the Czech Government and the Czech People for their traditional longstanding support of Israel.
Even prior to the formal establishment of the State of Israel, the people of Czechoslovakia stood by the Jewish people. Czech support during our War for Independence, given through supplies of arms, aircraft, and training for our young pilots, was crucial during the early days of Israel's existence. Since then, leaders of the Czech Republic have consistently stood alongside the Israeli people, and we take great pride at the special relationship that has grown between our two countries.
Of course, we well remember and appreciate the historic and prominent Czech support given by President Thomas Masaryk and later by Foreign Minister Jan Masaryk, as well as by President Edvard Beneš.
This summer, during the period of Operation Protective Edge, Israel had to once again face terrorist attacks against our civilian population in the south and elsewhere throughout the country. The visit to Israel by a Parliamentarian delegation during this time, which included Czech parties from the Coalition and Opposition, was heartwarming, and was carried out quickly and out of a deep sense of solidarity.
To emphasize the high level of our bilateral relationship, one year ago, Israel had the honor and privilege of hosting President Miloš Zeman, whose visit was a prominent example of the closeness of our two nations' ties. Senior representatives of both countries are currently working on this coming month's Third Government-to-Government meeting in Jerusalem, focusing on economic cooperation and innovation.
Our close bilateral relations include academic cooperation in the form of two special Chairs, sponsored by both Governments, at the Inter-Disciplinary Center in Herzelia and at the Masaryk University in Brno, and also the Czech-Israel Forum which met for the third time in July of this year.
We welcome the ties between the young generations of the Czech Republic and Israel, and we are currently working for the signing of a "working holiday agreement" which will enable youth to stay for lengthy periods of time in each other's country, combining work with tourism.
Israel views with concern the growing anti-Semitism in parts of Europe, and we value the Czech Republic's contribution as a loyal and determined ally in the fight against anti-Semitism.
We welcome the Czech Republic's Ambassador-Designate, Mr. Ivo Schwarz, who in his previous positions, maintained close ties with his Israeli counterparts. Ambassador-Designate Schwarz, we are confident that in your new position you will continue to promote close bilateral relations.
To conclude, please convey to the Government and People of the Czech Republic our congratulations on the occasion of your National Day. May your country enjoy continued prosperity and success, and may the ties of friendship and cooperation between the Czech Republic and the State of Israel continue to flourish in the years ahead".
Best wishes for peace, prosperity and friendship between our two peoples.
Best wishes for many more years of mutual cooperation and success for the two countries - Czech and Israel.
Photos Silvia Golan
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- Written by Silvia Golan
On October 23th, 2014, the German ambassador to Israel, Mr. Andreas Michaelis and his wife Mrs. Heike Michaelis, offered a reception at their residence in Hertzlia Pituach to celebrate the German Day of Unity as well as 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel.
The German Ambassador, Mr. H.E. Andreas Michaelis, welcomed the honorable guest President of the State of Israel, Mr. Reuven Rivlin, amongst members of different diplomatic missions in Israel and other distinguished guests.
Wording of the speech gave by the Ambassador Michaelis:
"The National Day of Germany commemorates Germany's reunification. This year, it has been 25 years since the fall of the wall.
I find it difficult to believe that 25 years have already passed since this historic date. Like many Germans I can vividly remember the scenes of joy which marked the days when freedom became a reality for us. It feels like it happened yesterday."
Referring to the State of Israel : " Israel needs a stable and peaceful environment. It is totally unacceptable that this country has repeatedly become the victim of rocket and terror attacks. We should not witness another Gaza War or new confrontations on Israel's borders. We have to break this cycle of violence.
Germany has pledged to do its part to ensure that Israel will be able to live in peace and security. This is and remains one of the central pillars of German policy. The events that led to the reunification of Germany and Europe show us that we can succeed even when faced with the greatest obstacles – and again, we see in the Middle East of today a different political reality than in Europe. However, obstacles can be overcome if we act together, show courage and seize the moment. An increasingly difficult environment in the Middle East is not a reason to shy away from diplomacy. On the contrary, it is a reason to double our efforts."
"Israel and Germany are two countries that have become very close partners today. We cooperate in a wide range of fields – in science and culture, business and technology as well as in security and diplomacy. Many Israelis and Germans developed strong personal ties through this cooperation, through city twinning and youth exchanges. Many friendships developed. We will soon look back on 50 years of diplomatic relations between our two states.
Has there ever been a more impossible relationship between two countries? At the beginning it was not at all clear that there could ever be a formal relationship between the young Jewish state and the nation which - at the lowest point of its history - had attempted to eradicate all Jewish life and murdered 6 million Jews. At the beginning there was so much pain and suffering. And let us not get this wrong, there still is today. The memory of the Holocaust and its deep scars are not washed away by history. Only if we fully comprehend and respect this dimension of our relationship, will we succeed in further developing it. What I experience as real friendship and trust between us today would not exist if we had not travelled the long and difficult path of serious and sometimes painful dialogue between our countries and people."
The bilateral relationship between Israel and Germany has reached an unprecedented quality. And we will continue to further broaden and deepen it in the years to come. This is why our two governments together with a vast range of members of our civil societies have agreed to use the coming year to put a special focus on cooperation in all relevant sectors of our relationship. In the course of next year we will experience a large array of events and projects, both, in Germany and Israel – ranging from classical music to Jazz, from cinema, theatre and contemporary dance to literature and art exhibitions. In short: we will celebrate. But we will also engage in programmes and projects which focus on the political realities in our two countries. Furthermore, in important sectors like, for instance, science and business we will try to push for new forms of cooperation. In short: We will not just look back on 50 years, we will look ahead at the next 50 years."
"Today, we will launch a joint website with an event calendar. It will provide all relevant information :
The ambassador also informed about more than a hundred events and encounters that were organized to celebrate the 50 years of bilateral relations (www.il50de.org). The German Foreign Office, the Goethe Institute and the Robert Bosch Foundation gave their support to the complexion of the events.
A German-Israeli common logo was launched a few months ago to signalize 50 years of renewed diplomatic relations between our countries.
In his speech, President Rivlin said : "Germany is acting to support Israel's ability to protect itself, and its leaders understand that terror organizations cannot run the world. They understand the problems which arise when a state must stand up and fight against terror organizations."
"This day celebrates new beginnings. It is a day that has meaning for all people who seek to find common ground where there is division. This day is about the will of people to break down barriers, and learn to live side by side, not divided by walls, neither physical nor virtual.
"We have learned from history and at a terrible price. It is important we continue to teach this lesson, educating about the Holocaust, and the dangers of racism and anti-Semitism. In West Germany, in East Germany, in a united Germany, in Europe, and all over.
The president emphasize the excellent relationship and friendship between our two countries. " You are great supporters of the efforts to find confidence building measures between the peoples of the Middle East."
"Germany is acting to support Israel's ability to protect itself, and its leaders understand that terror organizations cannot run the world. They understand the problems which arise when a state must stand up and fight against terror organizations."
"Israel needs a stable and peaceful environment. It is totally unacceptable that this country has repeatedly become the victim of rocket and terror attacks. We should not witness another Gaza War or new confrontations on Israel's borders. We have to break this cycle of violence."
He concluded, "Germany has pledged to do its part to ensure that Israel will be able to live in peace and security. This is and remains one of the central pillars of German policy."
Photo Mark Neiman / GPO
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- Written by Silvia Golan
On the occasion of the 58th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the visit of H.E. Mr Istvan Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the reestablishment of the diplomatic relations between Hungary and the State of Israel, the Ambassador of Hungary H.E. Mr Andor Nagy and his wife Mariann Bercsenyi offered a reception on October 23rd at his residence in Hertzliya Pituach.
Israelies' guests of honor were the Israeli Minister of Finance and chairman of the Yesh Atid Party, Yair Lapid, from Hungarian origin, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs , Yitzhak "Tzachi" Hanegbi.
The Hungarian and Israeli anthems were played for the occasion and afterwards the ambassador warmly welcome his guests and expressed: " It is my privilege to welcome three special guests at the same time in my residence. Two of them from Israel: the Minister of Finance and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament. from Hungary.
The fact that two VIP guests have participated at the National Day is a signal for me, that the 25 years anniversary of the reestablishment of the diplomatic relations between Israel and Hungary has great potential.
As ambassador I know very well that there is still a lot to do. I will do my best to build a bridge between the two peoples. "
Minister Lapid said: "On behalf of the Government and People of Israel, it is my pleasure to convey a message of friendship on the occasion of the Hungarian National Day. I am honored to welcome Mr. István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, who has come to Israel as we celebrate 25 years of renewed diplomatic relations between our countries.
We appreciate the special program prepared by the Hungarian government to mark this occasion.
The relationship between Israel and Hungary is a complex one. Our past is full of turmoil but we also have much that binds us together. Our relations are based, among other things, on the recognition of the importance of the past.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Holocaust of the Hungarian Jewish community. The government of Hungary prepared a program of commemorative events, for which we are grateful.
Hungary of 1945 was complicit in the murder of its Jewish community both because of the support of Hungarian fascists and the inaction of too many others. The acceptance of that culpability, as echoed by Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Tibor Navracsics, at a conference on anti-Semitism in which I participated a year ago, allows us to build for the future.
Hungary did indeed fail its Jews 70 years ago, and the current government has a responsibility, which I believe it takes seriously, to ensure the words "Never Again" are translated into reality.
As you know, I am the son of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor and that dark period of history inevitably shapes my character and my perspective. It is one of the reasons I am personally troubled by rising anti-Semitism in Hungary.
We hope that the Hungarian government will continue to take determined action against any expression or manifestation of anti-Semitism and racism. The increasing number of anti-Semitic incidents and anti-Jewish hate speech, including within the Hungarian political system, must serve as a warning for us all.
Racial incitement from a podium is always translated into violent acts on the streets.
I know that those incidents do not reflect the majority of Hungarians but if we learn one lesson from those terrible events 70 years ago let it be this; we must all stand against racism and discrimination and never allow hatred to go unchallenged. I know this is a view shared by our friends in the Hungarian government.
Just as we must not and should not forget the dark moments we also recall that Hungary was the first country from the Communist bloc to renew relations with Israel.
We look with pride at the large and vibrant Jewish community in Hungary today and the large number of Israelis of Hungarian descent who maintain a relationship with Hungary.
We can look back on the past 25 years with satisfaction for all we have achieved and look forward to continuing to forge ever-stronger relations between our two nations, and particularly among our young people.
Our governments are in regular contact and in the economic sphere bilateral trade reached $434 million last year and there remains untapped potential which can benefit both our countries.
Deputy Speaker Jakab, I know that agriculture is your area of expertise and as we look at the ties between our two countries I hope your visit can help to broaden and strengthen our cooperation in that field.
Mr. Ambassador, thank you for your hospitality.
Please convey our best wishes to the Government and People of Hungary on the occasion of your National Day. We wish Hungary peace and prosperity. May the bonds of friendship between our two nations continue to flourish in the years to come. Gratulálok.
Thank you"
After Mr. Lapid's speech, Mr. István Jakab said amongst other things:
" Hungary, a country where Europe's 4th largest Jewish Community lives in. " ..." In his Capital, Budapest, there is the world second largest synagogue in Europe .A country where Estee Lauder, Elena Rubinstein, Judith Muller and the father of the Zionism, Theodor Herzl were born. A country where in 1848-1849 our Jewish compatriots fought for Hungary's liberty ....."
" This year, in 2014 we are remembering the Hungarian victims of the Shoa or the Holocaust ." .... " Anti-semitic statements are still heard in Hungary "....But Victor Orban's government , does not tolerate this: we have zero tolerance, and we are taking tough action against this. "
We would like to stress that typical Hungarian wine and food delighted the guests, among them Hungarian beef stew and Hortobagy Pancakes.
It was a pleasant event that counted with guests from different foreign diplomatic services as well as delegates from the Israeli political and economic branches.
Photos : Silvia G. Golan
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- Written by Silvia Golan & Jonathan Danilowitz
China: 1.3 billion people. Israel: 8 million.
We think all 8 million Israelis would have liked to have attended the event at the prestigious Tel Aviv Hilton Grand Ballroom last Tuesday evening to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Graciously hosted by Her Excellency Madame Gao Yanping, China's ambassador to Israel, and the Chinese Embassy, the guest list was a veritable who's-who of Israeli society. Foreign and local diplomats mingled with parliamentarians of all stripes, with leaders of Israel's commercial and business community, the arts, sport and many other VIPs and leaders of Israeli and Chinese society.
Guest of honor – and it is indeed an honor to China and to Israel – was President Reuven (Rubi) Rivlin and his charming wife First Lady Mrs. Nechama Rivlin. Other notable guests included the leader of the opposition Mr. Yitzhak (Boezi) Herzog, Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Tzachi Hanegbi, former minister Ran Cohen, Attorney General Mr. Yehuda Weinstein, former minister Ehud Barak, and first lady of the Israeli theater, Gila Almagor with her husband, theater impresario Yaakov Agmon. Also present were several young Chinese exchange students studying at Israeli Universities. The youth of China's tomorrow are gaining their education at Israel's higher-learning establishments – a fine compliment to both.
The Master of Ceremonies briefly welcomed the guests and orchestrated the singing of the national anthems of the People's Republic of China and of the State of Israel. He then introduced the Chinese ambassador, who addressed the assembly.
Madame Yanping opened with a warm welcome to the State President and his wife, stressing how honored she felt by their presence. Her Excellency used several words in Hebrew, which added to the warmth of her welcome. She continued with an enlightening review of China's successes over the past 65 years, and of the close relationship mighty China has with tiny (but mighty in its own way) Israel. "China is now the world's second largest economy, and an important contributor to the world growth and prosperity, which contributes almost 30% to the world economic growth. Since the entry into the WTO in 2001, China has imported goods worth $750 billion annually, and created more than 14 million jobs for the global economy. ... Almost 100 million outbound visits were made by the Chinese tourists. In the coming five years, ... Chinese visitors abroad will be 500 million, 60 times Israel's population".
The Ambassador spoke enthusiastically of China's hopes and plans for the future too, stressing that China is resolute in pursuing a more proactive strategy of opening-up. "We will focus on stabilizing exports and actively expanding imports. ... China is resolute in following the path of peaceful development [and] is fully aware of its responsibilities and expectations from the international community. We will play our due role to establish a new type of international relations based on win-win cooperation and provide more public goods to the world. We will play a more proactive and constructive role in addressing international and regional hotspot issues to promote peace, security and stability". Madame Ambassador spoke of China's present aid in the Ebola crisis in West Africa, and mentioned that China is now Israel's third-largest trading partner. "I have great confidence in the future of China-Israel relations. I hope we could seize the good opportunities of the Chinese Dream and make it into our common dream. I firmly believe that China and Israel will continue to make joint and persistent efforts to enhance our mutual respect and trust, explore the great potential of cooperation. The future of our relations will be full of opportunities and excitement".
She ended her address by proposing a toast:
"To the 65th National Day of the People's Republic of China,
To the peace and prosperity of China and Israel,
To the friendship between our two peoples"
And again thanked all the guests for attending the reception.
In his response, the State President offered sincere congratulations to the Ambassador and to the People's Republic of China, and with a smile mentioned that Israel is one year senior to China. "Both our peoples have rich and ancient histories and place much importance on values. And today, there is no doubt that we have a shared future and much to gain from our good relations."
A pre-recorded video by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was screened to the audience, where the PM also expressed his admiration for China and expressed his good wishes to that country.
A lavish buffet dinner featuring both Chinese and western dishes followed. At the same time guests were entertained by professional folk ensemble from China, performing a series of dances accompanied by folk music. Carefully choreographed and highly colorful, the dancers moved with breathtaking grace and style. Just the names of the selections gives an idea of the beauty, including: "Blooming Flowers & Full Moon, "Spring Rain", "Peony Pavilion" (A Stroll in the Garden) and "The Peacock's Flight". The final performance was a martial arts exhibition/dance that included a joint presentation by performers from the Wushu Association of Peking University (University of Beijing) and the Israeli Wushu Team from Rehovot. The presentation also included participants from the Confucius Institute in Jerusalem.
China and Israel – a winning combination.
Photos Silvia Golan
